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As the US housing market is still recovering form a major slump in the mortgage sector, the local housing market in Ocala, Florida is seeing a shift to more positive consumer confidence than in the past. Many observes note that while the coastal areas and southern Florida have seen declines in home sales, Marion County, along with Ocala still attain positive values, however consumers are looking at national and state numbers and are being a bit cautious, the analysts note. Marion County Offers A Variety Of Home Options Marion County, along with Ocala, offers homes in a variety of price ranges from starter homes to luxurious upscale estates. According to state housing analysts, Ocala is a unique place for those looking for a starter home or those wanting a second or third home. The median price of homes in Marion County for the second quarter of 2007 was pegged at $170,900, and represents a slight hike from $169,500 for the same period in 2006. The National Association of realtors also reports a U.S. median home price of $223,800 for the second quarter of 2007, as compared to $227,100 in 2006. Statewide, the median price for the period was $221,200, down from $243,300 in 2006. According to the Marion County Property Appraiser, 6,812 residential units have been sold in Marion County so far this year. In comparison, 13,314 sales were processed in 2006. From traditional neighborhoods, gated subdivisions to large retirement communities, those in search of a home can find it all in Marion County. Districts like Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks, are older, more established residential communities and both are still experiencing growth. Others areas like Fore Ranch and Heath Brook are newer subdivisions. New Construction Permits Are Up During 2006-2007, Marion County has reported 2,698 permits for single-family homes, down from 6,355 in the 2005-2006 fiscal year. As for multi-family homes, which include condos, town homes and apartments, there was a slight increase in 2007 with 48 permits versus 37 permits in 2006. How To Effectively Look For A House Online Housing industry analysts advise new home buyers to first check out the National Association Of realtors (NAR) office in Ocala, or look in the NAR website. They could also go to the websites of the Marion County or Ocala Chamber of Commerce, in looking for a house. In addition to contacting a local realtor of choice and getting referrals from associates or peers, observers also suggests getting in the car with a good map to learn the area. Ocala Also Offers Affordable Housing Choices The city of Ocala also offers several affordable housing programs for income-eligible households. The programs include the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), for home purchase or rehabilitation outside of the city limits of Ocala. In Ocala, the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, which uses federal funds, along with the state-funded SHIP program, is also offered to eligible residents within the city limits. Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://www.fountainsatgolfpark.com/fountains/index.htm
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